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An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Wiltshire Police found the charity failed to ensure the safety of volunteers.
The temporary propping was inadequate and there was no clear method for the safe installation or removal of props.
HSE inspector James Lucas said: “This was a tragic and wholly avoidable incident.
“The situation which led to Peter’s death would not have arisen had the temporary structural works been properly planned and implemented to ensure a suitable safe system of work prior to the incident.
The wall collapse at Pewsham locks, Wilts & Berks Canal
“It is essential that those in control of work of this nature devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction, and training to their workers to ensure their safety.”
Volunteers routinely helped the trust with tasks like clearing rubbish and overgrowth from canal sites. But increasingly the trust had involved volunteers in light construction works.
On 24 June 2024, at Swindon Magistrates’ Court, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, of Dauntsey Lock, Chippenham, Wiltshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act. The trust was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £10,822 costs.
The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Iain Jordan and supported by HSE paralegal officer Rebecca Withell.
The January/February 2026 issue of Construction Management magazine is now available to read in digital format.
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